Lee Soon Jae, Korea’s beloved veteran actor, dies at 91 after 70-year career spanning theater, film, TV

Lee Soon-jae, Korea’s most beloved veteran actor, passed away on November 25, 2025. He was 91 years old. The legendary performer carved an incredible 70-year career spanning theater, television, and film. His death marks the end of an era in Korean entertainment.

The End of A Korean Entertainment Icon

Lee Soon-jae died early on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. His family confirmed the news that morning. The actor was South Korea’s longest-serving active performer. He’d worked continuously since 1956.

Born on November 16, 1934 in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, Lee moved to Seoul at age four. He studied at Seoul National University, where his passion for acting took hold. His stage debut came with the play “Beyond the Horizon” in 1956.

Lee didn’t limit himself to one medium. He conquered theater first. Then television. Then film. Each field benefited from his skill and dedication. He once said, “Theater is the actor’s art.” That philosophy guided everything he did.

A Legacy That Shaped Korean Entertainment

The impact here runs deep. Lee transformed what audiences expected from veteran actors. He showed staying power. Most importantly, he proved age doesn’t diminish artistry.

In 2007, even youngsters discovered him. The sitcom “Unstoppable High Kick!” became a phenomenon. His character—a stern grandfather viewing adult content online—became an internet sensation. College students quoted his lines. His granddaughter asked for autographs. That’s remarkable for someone in his seventies.

He won acclaim everywhere. Film festivals in China honored him. The 2011 film “Late Blossom” earned him Best Actor at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Festival. He became the oldest recipient ever. Theater remained his first love though. He performed “Death of a Salesman” multiple times across decades.

The “Grandpas Over Flowers” variety show became special. Starting in 2013, Lee traveled internationally with fellow veteran actors. The show defied Korea’s youth-centered entertainment industry. It proved audiences wanted to see senior performers too.

Awards and Recognition From a Grateful Nation

Honor followed honor. In 2018, the Korean government awarded him the second-class Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit. That’s serious recognition. Only top artists get that.

Then came January 2025. At the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, he won Grand Prize—becoming the oldest recipient ever. Just months before his passing, he received this ultimate accolade. His role in “Dog Knows Everything” impressed everyone.

Throughout his life, he’d won countless awards. Theater prizes in the 1960s and ’70s. Television excellence awards repeatedly. Film festival honors. His shelf overflowed with recognition.

What Sets Lee Soon-Jae Apart?

So many actors fade away. Lee didn’t. He kept working. He kept improving. Even in his nineties, he performed on stage.

He valued craft above all else. He mentored younger actors. He taught at universities—Sejong University and Gachon University. Sharing knowledge mattered to him.

Theater remained closest to his heart though. He directed plays. He acted in classical works. “King Lear,” “Death of a Salesman,” “On Golden Pond”—all got his attention into his final years.

How Will Korea Remember Him?

Lee Soon-jae leaves behind something invaluable: proof. Proof that age doesn’t determine worth. Proof that dedication lasts. Proof that an actor’s craft matters most.

Younger performers watched him. Directors sought him out. Audiences loved him. His presence alone elevated any project.

The entertainment industry has shifted. Less focus on stars past fifty, generally speaking. Lee broke that mold completely. He showed what commitment looks like. He showed what happens when someone pursues their craft for seven decades—with zero compromise.

He’ll be remembered as Korea’s National Actor. The title fits perfectly.